NSW Premier backs childcare centres' right to exclude unvaccinated children

By state political reporter Liz FoschiaUpdated
Tue 21 May 2013, 6:09 PM AEST

New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell has given in-principle support to an Opposition plan to allow childcare centres to ban unvaccinated children.

The State Opposition says it will consult the childcare sector and public on the draft bill, which will allow preschools to choose whether to accept children who are not immunised.

The change is being proposed to encourage parents to vaccinate their children and prevent the spread of preventable diseases.

The Opposition's health spokesman Dr Andrew McDonald says he does not believe the proposed legislation will infringe on parental rights, with childcare options still available for parents.

Labor Leader John Robertson is hoping to introduce a private member's bill but says he is happy to work with the Government.

Mr O'Farrell says Cabinet agrees childcare operators should have the right to refuse entry to children who have not received their jabs.

"I understand there's been legal advice under the anti-discrimination legislation," he said.

"We don't rule out amendments to the anti-discrimination legislation if they are necessary to uphold existing and long-standing public health practice and policy, which is that children should be vaccinated."

The NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner said yesterday she has been discussing measures to amend legislation to allow operators to exclude non-vaccinated children with the Chief Health Officer.